You will be missed, Melinda Seely

Women in Leadership is deeply saddened by the passing of Melinda Seely, an educator, business owner and unwavering advocate for women's equality.

Melinda loved her life, her family, her community and her activism.

As a founding member and past chair of WIL, her passion and commitment helped shape our mission and inspired countless others to act.

Melinda once wrote, "I care very much about the status of women in this country and around the world. Until women's voices are heard in equal number to the voices of men, things will not change for the better in the lives of women everywhere."

Melinda worked hard throughout her life to uplift women's voices right here in Orange County. Anyone who has followed WIL over its 32-year history can tell you that she was successful.

The Seely family will be celebrating her life in a private ceremony.

Melinda asked that anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution donate either to Women in Leadership or to the Environmental Nature Center, where she volunteered and served on the board for many years.

While missing Melinda terribly, we at WIL will keep working together to carry forward her vision and continue the work she believed in so deeply.